Santiago C. Lohse Medal

This commercial medal bears the name of Santiago C. Lohse, in reference to a merchant or business house active in Mexico in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname of foreign origin reflects the presence of European merchants in the country's mercantile life during the Porfiriato.

Like other pieces of its kind, it functioned as advertising, a badge, or a token of the firm. Businesses of the era used these metal medals to promote themselves and reinforce their brand in a growing urban economy.

Cataloged by Grove among the commercial issues and struck in bronze by the engraver Pedro Vicente Rodríguez, it has no recorded year. Its value lies in documenting the commercial fabric of the era and a specific entrepreneur within the small history of Mexican numismatics.

The "Santiago C. Lohse" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of bronze, measures 30.28 mm in diameter and weighs 9.5 grams, the work of the engraver Pedro Vicente Rodríguez. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #B-159b.

As a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from what it commemorates: the event it celebrates, its age (1821-1910 era), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what set the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the theme and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Santiago C. Lohse," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it had them: they add collector value.

Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints.